Matt McClure scored a hat-trick as Maidstone beat St Albans at the Gallagher Stadium.

The former Aldershot forward struck twice before half-time and completed his treble shortly after the hour mark.

He’s the first Stones player to bag a hat-trick since Jamar Loza sunk Woking at Kingfield in the 2016/17 season.

Sam Corne set up two of McClure’s goals and also scored himself in an excellent performance from the right wing on his return to the starting XI.

Maidstone almost took the lead inside a minute when Dan Wishart released Ibby Akanbi down the left.

The Stones striker skinned his man and cut inside but Dean Snedker made the save from a tight angle.

Maidstone looked shaky at the back at times, Luke Pennell twice putting his side in trouble by giving away possession cheaply while Clovis Kamdjo - otherwise effective against his old club - was mugged just outside his own area.

Fortunately, nothing came of those incidents, George Elokobi with a terrific challenge on Joe Iaciofano on one occasion, although St Albans did go close with a thumping Darren Foxley half-volley.

It had been an indifferent start from the Stones but they took the lead in the 22nd minute.

Corne picked up possession out wide after Noah Chesmain’s shot was blocked and his cross was met by the head of McClure.

It was McClure’s third headed goal in as many weeks and probably the most difficult yet, a real test of the neck muscles.

Kamdjo cleared off the line from David Diedhou as St Albans threatened an equaliser while McClure had an effort blocked after a tricky run and fired over from 30 yards before doubling the lead.

The goal came in the last minute of the first half and was all about the industry of Corne who first won the ball off Tom Bender then managed to find McClure whose strike from the edge of the box caught out Snedker.

A nice move on the hour mark saw Corne turn on Gavin Hoyte’s pass and go for goal and while it looked like Snedker got a touch, the referee awarded a goal-kick.

McClure completed his hat-trick in the 63rd minute, robbing defender Scott Shulton in the area and lifting the ball over Snedker - a classy finish.

And it was 4-0 to the Stones in the 74th minute with substitute Jonny Edwards finding Hoyte whose cross was initially met by McClure before Corne fired home his first Stones goal.

Maidstone: Cole, Hoyte, Pennell (Johnson 73mins), Elokobi, Chesmain, Kamdjo, Khan, Corne (Kyei 79mins), McClure, Wishart, Akanbi (Edwards 69mins). Subs not used: Embery, Lewington.

Attendance: 1,806 (56 away).

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